THE curtain has risen on St Helens Theatre Royal's Christmas panto.

The cast of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the festive family extravaganza at the Theatre Royal, includes Maureen Nolan and Coronation Street actor Emrhys Cooper.

The show opened with a successful weekend, with audiences keen to kick off the festive season, and will run until January 12.

Maureen Nolan, known for her pop career and West End roles, plays the Wicked Queen.

Emrhys Cooper, who portrays Corrie's Rowan Cunliffe, takes on the role of Prince Fredrick.

(Image: David Munn) The cast also includes Leanne Campbell as the Magic Mirror, newcomer Chantelle Morgan as Snow White, and St Helens’ favourites Lewis Devine as Muddles and Richard Aucott as Nurse Nelly.

The voices of the dwarfs are provided by local legends, including Johnny Vegas, Joel Ross, Pete Price, Philip Regan, Craig Phillips, Louis Emerick and John May.

Their fees are being donated to their chosen charities.

The cast is supported by a company of future West End stars from Nazene Danielle’s School of Dance – Dance Dynamix, and canine performers from Doggie Delights.

(Image: David Munn) Panto director and St Helens Theatre Manager, Chantelle Nolan, said: "Christmas has officially begun – and we couldn’t have asked for a better start to the festive season.

"It’s just joyful to see so many people of all ages coming together to enjoy live theatre, and the reaction to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs over its opening weekend was brilliant.

"I’m really proud of the amazing cast we’ve assembled for this year’s Christmas panto, led of course by Maureen and Emrhys.

"And I’m also proud of the hugely talented team here at the Theatre Royal, from the creative wizards to the hard-working technical crew, to our wonderful front-of-house staff; without them, the magic on stage simply wouldn’t be able to happen.

(Image: David Munn) "With an all-star line-up of talent, stunning scenery and costumes, fantastic live music and cracking choreography, I can guarantee panto fans - whether they’re five or 85 - a royally good time."

Regal Entertainments Ltd, which stages the popular seasonal shows at the theatre, has been bringing productions to the North-West for more than 20 years.

The company is run by mother and daughter duo Jane Joseph and Chantelle Nolan, who produce drama, comedy and panto productions which continue to break box office records.

They produce four pantomimes a year, at Easter, Christmas, and in the February and October half-term holidays.

(Image: David Munn) Tens of thousands of theatre-goers enjoy the family-friendly fun each year.

Leanne Campbell, Johnny Vegas, Joel Ross, Pete Price, Philip Regan, Craig Phillips, Louis Emerick and John May are not due to appear in person.

Tickets can be booked online.